Norrsken Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2016 by Niklas Adalberth, co-founder of Klarna. The organization’s stated purpose is to support entrepreneurs addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, climate change, health, and education. Norrsken operates as a non-religious and non-partisan entity.
Since its inception, Norrsken has expanded from its initial coworking hub—Norrsken House, located in a former Stockholm tram depot—to a global presence, with hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, and Barcelona, Spain. As of 2023, these hubs collectively hosted over 2,000 members from more than 300 startups.
The foundation manages multiple funding instruments. Its initial capital came from Adalberth’s personal contribution, followed by additional backing from prominent Swedish entrepreneurs and unicorn founders. Over time, Norrsken has raised and managed several funds, including Norrsken VC and the Africa-focused Norrsken22, with recent commitments amounting to more than €300 million for new technologies, especially startups leveraging artificial intelligence for social good. By late 2024, Norrsken had backed more than 150 startups globally.
Notable projects include Cellcolabs—a venture to increase the availability and affordability of stem cell therapies—and ABC Labs, which played a pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic by providing rapid and large-scale PCR testing in Sweden. The foundation also runs annual initiatives such as Impact/100, highlighting promising impact startups, and launched the MindPsychedelic Science Initiative to support research into new therapies for mental health.
Today, Norrsken is recognized as Europe’s largest early-stage impact investor, influencing a broad range of sectors with a focus on measurable social and environmental outcomes.